Cambodia, a Southeast Asian gem, teems with history, culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. For budget travelers seeking unforgettable adventures without straying too far from Indonesia, Cambodia presents the perfect choice. Just a few hours away, this country offers a plethora of captivating tourist destinations. Here are five places in Cambodia that you should consider visiting.
1. Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat stands as a Hindu temple complex and urban city ruins built between the 8th and 14th centuries. Covering approximately 400 square kilometers, it consists of hundreds of temples, and exploring this vast complex takes around 4 hours. To enter the temple, you must cross a long bridge, the sole entrance to the complex.
2. Royal Palace, Phnom Penh
Also known as the Royal Palace, it has stood since the 1860s. Its strategic location offers stunning views as it sits near the confluence of the Mekong River and the Tonle Sap River.
3. Cardamom Mountains
This mountain range remains well-preserved and is even one of the largest tropical rainforests in Southeast Asia. It’s no wonder that foreign tourists often choose this area as a research location. To enjoy the beauty of Cardamom, you can opt for luxurious camping, known as glamping, accompanied and protected by park rangers.
4. Prasat Preah Vihear
In addition to Angkor Wat, another fascinating temple worth visiting is Prasat Preah Vihear. This Hindu temple ruin perches on a cliff near the Cambodia-Thailand border. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it has been an important pilgrimage site for thousands of years. Previously a source of conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, the International Court of Justice ruled in favor of Cambodia in 2013.
5. Sihanoukville
Apart from historical sites, you may want to savor Cambodia’s natural beauty by relaxing on its white sandy beaches in Sihanoukville. Also known as Kampong Som, it’s the most popular beach destination in Cambodia, attracting both local and international tourists. To reach this beach, travelers need to embark on a 4-hour journey from Phnom Penh.
Conclusion
Cambodia offers an array of remarkable destinations that cater to diverse interests. Whether you’re drawn to ancient temples, lush rainforests, or pristine beaches, Cambodia has something to offer every traveler. Its rich history, vibrant culture, and awe-inspiring landscapes make it a must-visit destination in Southeast Asia.
